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Preparing for Opening Day, Reds set roster

Izturis, Parra, Hoover among those who break camp with Reds

3/23/13: Emmanuel Burriss makes a nice play on a grounder to get the Reds out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the ninth

By Mark Sheldon
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MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- The Reds cut eight players and set their 25-man roster on Sunday, one day ahead of Monday's Opening Day game against the Angels.

Among those whose roster bubble burst was right-handed reliever Jose Arredondo, who was sent to Triple-A Louisville after clearing waivers. Designated for assignment was infielder Jason Donald. Both players were out of Minor League options.

Optioned to Double-A Pensacola was right-handed reliever Logan Ondrusek. Infielder Emmanuel Burriss, catcher Corky Miller and outfielders Denis Phipps and Derrick Robinson were reassigned to Minor League camp. As expected, reliever Nick Masset was placed on the 15-day disabled list as he continues to rehab from right shoulder surgery.

That means infielder Cesar Izturis and relievers Manny Parra, Alfredo Simon and J.J. Hoover made the team out of camp. The club selected Izturis' Minor League contract.

One of the tougher cuts had to be Arredondo, who had a good spring as he posted a 2.84 ERA with six walks and 10 strikeouts over his 11 appearances. In 119 games over two seasons with the Reds, he had a 3.08 ERA.

Parra, who was signed to a one-year, $1 million contract in January, did not have a particularly solid spring but adds situational left-handed depth to the bullpen behind setup man Sean Marshall and closer Aroldis Chapman. Parra had a 5.28 ERA with six walks and 11 strikeouts during 10 spring games.

Hoover had the best spring among all Reds relievers with two walks and 19 strikeouts to go with a 1.74 ERA in 10 games, and he had a good rookie year last season. Simon missed most of camp to participate in the World Baseball Classic and had an 8.22 ERA in four games.

Donald was part of the trade that also brought outfielder Shin-Soo Choo from the Indians. He batted .250 in 25 games in Spring Training and missed time with a right knee injury.

The other infielder competing for the utility spot was Burriss, who batted .207 in 28 games after a hot start to camp. Because the Reds have a backup third baseman in Jack Hannahan, and with Brandon Phillips playing virtually every inning, the biggest need was for a backup shortstop. Izturis, who batted .333 in 29 games, has a strong glove and is an experienced shortstop.

Cincinnati will open the season with 13 position players and 12 pitchers.

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.